MAHATMA Gandhi once said: “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”  

If that is so, then I am sorry to say our Malaysian society still has some way to go before we can call ourselves great. 

The recent spate of animal abuse and neglect cases highlighted in the national press serve to show that at best, there are still large pockets of ignorance among pet owners regarding responsible ownership or at worst, complete disregard for the rights of our companions and other animals. 

The local animal care organisations are doing their best to promote responsible pet ownership to the public but it is an uphill battle as most are hampered by limited manpower and financial resources. 

Thus it is up to the authorities, particularly those involved in animal welfare, to spearhead this challenge. 

We strongly believe education remains the key. More effort should be made to educate schoolchildren and the public, by organising exhibitions, forums, talks and visits, on areas such as basic pet care, responsible ownership, animal legislation, definition of animal abuse and neglect, penalties that can be imposed on lawbreakers and the promotion of love and respect for all animals. 

Existing legislation should be reviewed and punitive sanctions strengthened to bring home the message that animal abuse is not acceptable. 

The present fine of RM200 is grossly insufficient when one considers that a pedigree pup alone costs many more hundreds or thousands of ringgit. 

I join other animal-loving Malaysians in urging the Government to take a more active role in animal welfare. Emulate the Chinese Government which is currently doing so much to help animal care organisations end bear-farming in China.